Residents of three Nakhon Si Thammarat districts stranded for weeks in floodwaters

Floodwater from Chaloem Phra Kiat, Chian Yai and Pak Phanang districts are likely to be completely drained by next week. However, if there are more rains, it could take months before life returns to normal, officials said.

People in the flooded areas are also suffering because the dirty water has become contaminated and has turned from brown to black in colour.

The situation has caused difficulties for travel, as exposure to the contaminated water can cause skin diseases.

The locals said that besides being naturally dirty, the water has also been polluted by chemical substances used in agriculture.